Must See South India Tourist Places

South India really has a distinct culture that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Not only that, each state in south India has managed to retain its own distinct identity. Intricate temple architecture, historical ruins, palm fringed canals, hills, and beach will provide you with a varied and interesting trip to south India. Don't miss these five must see south India tourist places.

1.

Hampi India Essential Travel Guide

Hampi is a laid back village that was the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape.

The ruins, which date back to the 14th century, stretch for just over 25 kilometers (10 miles) and comprise more than 500 monuments. The most striking monument is the Vittala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its main hall has 56 pillars that make musical sounds when struck.

Hampi Location:

Hampi is in central Karnataka, approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Bangalore.

Getting to Hampi:

The closest railway station is in Hospet, around half an hour away. Private buses also operate from Bangalore and Goa, and will drop you in Hospet. From Hospet, take an autorickshaw to Hampi. The fare is around 100 rupees ($2.30).

Hampi Opening Hours:

The ruins can be explored at leisure. The Vittala Temple is open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. daily, and it’s worth getting there as early as possible to beat the crowds. The Elephant Stables, which once housed the royal elephants, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Hampi Cost:

There’s no cost to explore most of the ruins. The Vittala Temple and Elephant Stables are two places that do charge an entrance fee of $US 5 each for foreigners. Children younger than 15 years are free.

Hampi Festivals:

If you enjoy culture, make sure you catch the three day Hampi Festival (also known as the Vijaya Utsav) that's held in late January each year. Dance, drama, music, fireworks, and puppet shows all take place against the ruins of Hampi. Be prepared to battle the crowds though! Hampi also holds a Purandaradasa Aradhana classical music festival in January/February each year to celebrate the birthday of Purandaradasa, a poet who lived there. In March/April the largest religious festival in Hampi, the Virupaksha Car Festival, takes place to mark the annual marriage ritual of the gods and goddesses.

Hampi Travel Tips:

An incredible energy can be felt at Hampi. The sunrise and sunset over the village, viewed from atop the central Matanga Hill, are truly magical and are not to be missed. Be sure to have a comfortable pair of shoes with you as some of the ruins can only be accessed on foot and you’ll need to walk quite a distance in order to explore them. Try taking a ferry trip across the river to Anegondi and exploring the relics there. Alternatively, it's a good idea to hire a bicycle to get around. Night tours are also possible. The best time to visit is from November to February. In March it starts getting unbearably hot.

Hampi Hotels:

Unfortunately, Hampi is lacking in quality hotels. If you want to stay in a place with more amenities, Hospet is a better choice, particularly with the new four star Royal Orchid Central Kireeti having opened up. It lacks Hampi's eerie charm though. Ambient, simply furnished guesthouses are plentiful in Hampi. There are two main areas to stay in Hampi -- near the bus stand and Main Bazaar, and on the other side of the river in Virupapur Gadde. Virupapur Gadde, with it's chilled out environment on the edge of paddy fields, attracts plenty of hippie types.

2

Fort Kochi

Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. Most people recognize Kochi from pictures of the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront. Fort Kochi is full of architecture and historical sites, and is a marvelous place to stroll around and explore on foot. You can also catch a Kathakali dance performance and get an Ayurvedic treatment.

10 Kochi Attractions and Places to Visit

1. Chinese Fishing Nets

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The Chinese Fishing Nets, undoubtedly Kochi's most recognizable sight, have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today. Local fisherman will show you how they're operated in return for a small fee. In the late afternoon head to the waterfront where the nets line the shore, buy some seafood from one of the fishmongers there, get it cooked at a nearby shack, and enjoy eating it as the sun sets.

2. Jew Town

Aromatic Jew Town is the center of spice trade in Kochi and the air is filled with the heady waft of masala. Spend some time wandering through the streets and lanes, and exploring the antique stores. It's a fabulous neighborhood for photography. These days, you won't find many Jews left there though. They've been replaced by an influx of Kashmiri shopkeepers who hawk their wares to tourists. However, the Pardesi (Foreigner -- White Jew) Synagogue remains in use and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Its interior is resplendent with chandeliers, gold pulpit and imported floor tiles.

3. Mattancherry

Mattancherry is another old neighborhood full of colonial buildings. You'll find it fascinating if you're into history. The main attraction there is the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555, then renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It lacks the grandeur that you'd expect of a palace. Yet, there's a small museum and some rare art inside, including paintings of previous kings and some beautiful murals from the Hindu epics.

4. St Francis Church

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This landmark church in Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. However, it's most famous for the fact that it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 (his remains were later taken back to Portugal). The church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1503, and was subsequently claimed by the Dutch and British, before passing into Indian hands.

5. Princess Street

The happening Princess Street is the place to go for people watching, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenirs. It's one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi and has become the main tourist strip. You'll also find grocery stores there, so you can to restock on any essential items. It's a great destination for an evening walk.

6. Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum

Kerala Folklore Museum

If you want to learn about Kerala's culture, then it's worth making the journey to this privately owned museum, located on the outskirts of Ernakulam. Opened in 2009, the Museum's three floors are packed full of artifacts that showcase the state's heritage. Its architecture is magnificent, as too is its entrance made from the remnants of a temple and wooden carvings. Kerala art and dance forms are a focus, with stage performances taking place at 6.30 p.m. daily.

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7. Kathakali Performance

Kathakali is a very unusual and ancient form of dance-drama that's traditional to Kerala. The look, with its red bloodshot eyes, borders on grotesque. The movements of the dance are subtle, yet they tell a meaningful mythological story. Performers are required to undergo intense training, including hours of eye exercises, when learning the art of Kathakali. Try the Cochin Cultural Center , Kerala Kathakali Center, orGreenix Village to see a performance.

8. Kerala Home Cooking Lessons

Kerala is renowned for its cuisine, featuring delicious seafood and coconut flavors. The hosts at many of Kochi's popular homestays will be more than happy to give you a cooking lesson. Travspire also offers thisKerala home cooking experience, which starts with a guided visit to a local market followed by a cooking lesson at a house on the backwaters. If you're serious about learning cooking, take a look atNimmy Paul's Cooking School. She gives a variety of traditional Kerala Syrian Christian cooking classes in her home.

Explore the Backwaters on a Kerala Houseboat

The backwaters is the rather unappealing name given to the picturesque network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals that run inland from the coast of Kerala, from Cochin to Kollam (Quilon).

Traditionally, the backwaters are used by local people for transport, fishing, and agriculture. Annual snake boat races, held along the backwaters, also provide a great source of entertainment for the locals and tourists alike.

The lush green palm-fringed landscape, diverse wildlife, and houses and villages that line the backwaters make a journey along these waterways seem like a journey through another world. Don't miss it!

How to Best See the Kerala Backwaters:

One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in India is hire a Kerala houseboat (called akettuvallam) to explore the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer make the experience even more enjoyable. Those on a budget can go on one of the many half or full day backwater tourist cruises that are on offer. Alternatively, if you want to check out the backwaters very cheaply, it's possible to take one of the public boat services operated by the State Water Transport Department, such as the one between Alleppey and Kottayam. Travel time is two and a half hours, with numerous daily departures.

What Options Exist for Kerala Backwater Cruises:

The cheapest option for cruising the backwaters is on the Alleppey Tourism Development Corporationferry between Alleppey and unattractive Kollam (eight hours), which departs at 10.30 a.m. daily from each town. The cost is around $5. (Some people will be interested to know that these boats make a stop at the Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission of the Hugging Mother to drop visitors off). Travel agents and hotels also organize boat tour packages, which start from around $12 with lunch. Many include a stop at a coir village. Some day trips also leave from Cochin, such as the recommended one organized by the Tourist Desk.

Where is it Possible to Hire a Kerala Houseboat:

The best place for hiring a tradtional thatched roof Kerala houseboat is Alleppey. You'll find hundreds of them there. From Alleppey, you'll be taken on an adventure through the various backwaters to places such as Kumarakom, Kottayam, and Alinkadavu (near Kollam). There's a wide range of destinations to choose from to suit all travel plans. Houseboats will usually slowly travel a distance of around 40-50 kilometers (25-30 miles) through the backwaters each day, so you'll get to see lots of different scenery.

What Durations are Houseboats Hired For:

You can hire a houseboat for as little as a day, or as long as a week! It's really up to you. Day trips run from around midday until 6 p.m. Most people go for overnight hire, which includes a serene sleep out in the middle of nowhere, in a lake or other similarly peaceful spot. The houseboats then return by 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. the next day. Two night houseboat hire is also popular. However, it can become boring for any length of time longer than this. 48 hours on a houseboat is definitely long enough to take in all the sights and re-charge your batteries.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Houseboat:

The cost of houseboat hire greatly depends on the quality of the boat and the time of year. The minimum rate for overnight hire is around $80, however most people pay around $150 to hire a deluxe air conditioned houseboat for two. Rates easily go up to $250 for a luxury houseboat. Large family sized houseboats, with multiple bedrooms and living rooms, are also available for hire. Prices start from around $285 for one of these, for an overnight trip. All costs include freshly cooked food, made by an on-board cook, and drinks.

When is the Best Time to Hire a Houseboat:

Peak season is from December to the end of January, when the weather is cooler and dry, but it's possible to hire a houseboat all year round. Some people find that the monsoon seasonhas special appeal and choose to combine their houseboat hire with an ayurvedic treatment.March to May gets very hot and humid, so if you hire a houseboat during this time, an air conditioned one is definitely recommended.

What Are Some Reputable Kerala Houseboat Operators:

There are so many houseboats for hire at Alleppey that it's advisable not to book in advance, apart from during the peak season. Instead head down to the jetty, inspect the boats there, and negotiate the best price. During peak season, the availability of quality boats drops dramatically, and prices get hiked. As prices aren't properly regulated, they can fluctuate widely. To get an idea of prices and what's on offer (and also to book in advance if you wish), reputable companies that have a range of houseboats for hire include the opulent Spice Coast Cruises, Coco Houseboats, Lakes and Lagoons, Morning Mist Cruises, and River and Country Cruises.

Also have a look at this list of Kerala Tourism Approved Houseboats.

Are there any Kerala Backwaters Tours from Kochi?:

If you're visiting Kochi and want to include a backwaters trip as part of your experience, it is possible to go on a convenient day tour from Kochi. Take a look at these popular tours offered by Viator. They're easily bookable online.

3

Varkala Beach Travel Guide

Stunningly picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The setting of this beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a long stretch of sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top.

Varkala Location:

Varkala is located south of Kollam, around one hour north of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), in India's southern state of Kerala.

Getting to Varkala:

Varkala cliff and beach are located a 10 minute drive away from Varkala town and railway station. Almost 20 Indian Railways trains stop at the station. If coming by train, take an auto rickshaw from the station for around 50 rupees ($1). Alternatively, there are airports at Trivandrum and Kochi (around 4 hours north of Varkala).

Varkala Weather:

Varkala's climate is very tropical and humid. It receives rain from both the southwest and northeast monsoon, which produce intensely heavy downpours. The rain is at its worst from June to August, and late October to December. Late December to March are the best months to visit, when the weather is dry and sunny every day, and the temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celcius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The summer months of April and May become very humid and hot, with temperatures around 35 degrees Celcius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Varkala Attractions:

Varkala is a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate. It's well known for its dramatic sunsets. Settle into one of the beach shacks with a drink, and you'll have an uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon. The mineral spring that flows from the cliff at the southern end of the beach is believed to have medicinal properties. You'll also find plenty of places specializing in yoga, and Ayurvedic massage and therapies. The Scientific School of Yoga, Naturopathy and Ayurveda Hospital is reputable. Sun Moon Project & East West Connection is recommended for reiki and energy healing. Meditation and art/creative workshops are also offered. Shop 'til you drop at the endless rows of huts lining the cliff, stocking everything from jewelry to handicrafts. The Janardhana Swamy Temple festival is held every March.

Varkala Beaches:

Varkala's main beach is called Papanasam Beach -- which means destroyer of sins. The beach is divided into two parts, with the southern area at the end of the road leading from the Janardhana Swamy Temple considered sacred to Hindus. It's where they come to perform the last rites after close relatives have died. The tourist part of the beach is located further north, past the mineral spring, at the bottom of the cliff. There's also another small beach with black sand (affectionately called the Black Beach) near the coconut grove where the cliff ends in the far north, past Papanasam Beach. Just further north of Black Beach, quiet Odayam Beach is just starting to be discovered and developed. Head there if you want peace and quiet away from the action. From there you can walk further north up a coastal path to Edava Beach.

Varkala Hotels:

Varkala has accommodations to suit all price ranges, from resorts to simple rooms in family homes. If you feel like splurging, Palm Tree Heritage, on quieter Odayam Beach around 10 minutes walk from the cliff, has top quality rooms from 4,000-9,000 rupees. Varkala Marine Palace, at the south end of the cliff, has rooms, cottages and apartments from 1,000-5,000 rupees per night. The Green Palace is a popular and centrally located on the north end of the cliff next to Cafe Del Mar, with rates from 2,000-4,000 rupees a night. Keratheeram Beach Resort is a highly rated budget option on the cliff, with rooms from 300-1,000 rupees a night, depending on the time of year. Set back from the cliff, the very attractive Kaiya House is a boutique hotel run by a lovely foreigner-Indian husband and wife team. Expect to pay around 2,000 rupees a night. For a romantic retreat away from the action, you can't go wrong at the boutique Villa Jacaranda, on a hill near the Indian end of Papanasam Beach.

Varkala Nightlife:

The nightlife in Varkala is quite laid back. Some beach shacks, such as Rock n Roll, do have parties and play music late into the night. However the party scene is restricted by complaints from nearby hotels about the noise, and also the prohibition of alcohol. As Varkala is a holy town, none of the beach shacks are licensed to serve alcohol, although this doesn't stop them from doing so after paying adequate compensation to the local police. Other nightlife includes traditional Kathakali dance performances in the evenings.

Varkala Dangers and Annoyances:

Varkala has undergone a dramatic amount of growth in just few years to be transformed from sleepy village into sought after beach destination. This has had a significant impact on the locals. Females should take particular care around local men, as incidents of drunkenness and groping are common. Many foreign women also end up being charmed by the staff from the beach shacks, who usually end up wanting money or are married. Begging and hawking are becoming issues as well. Also bring a flashlight as power cuts are prevalent. At the beach, swimmers should be aware of strong currents and not swim out too far.

Varkala Travel Tips:

An important thing to keep in mind is the interesting tide pattern at Varkala. This sees Papanasam Beach completely immersed in the ocean during the monsoon season, while the Black Beach is accessible. After the monsoon, this trend reverses with the Black Beach becoming engulfed in water and Papanasam Beach open.

During the monsoon season it's therefore best to stay at the northern end of the cliff near the Black Beach, while in peak season, the southern end of the cliff provides the easiest access to Papanasam Beach as the stairs leading down the cliff are located there. This end of the cliff is also quieter.

It's cheaper to stay away from the cliff, at the Indian southern end of Papanasam Beach, however the cliff isn't easily accessible from this area (which suits people who want to avoid the crowds!). The Indian end of Papanasam Beach also remains isolated from the tourist part of the beach until the monsoon fully retreats and the beach completely opens up. Therefore if you want to go up to the cliff from there, it's necessary to take an auto rickshaw.

5. Madurai

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in south India, the Meenakshi Temple. If you only see one south Indian temple, the Meenakshi Temple should be it. The city of Madurai is more than 4,000 years old, and has remained a major center for Tamil culture and learning. During the heyday of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificant temples and buildings with superb architecture were constructed. These days, Madurai attracts pilgrims and tourists in equal numbers. The older part of the town, with its narrow winding lanes, is fascinating to walk though. The 12 dayChithirai Festival, featuring a re-enacted celestial wedding of God and Goddess, is held in Madurai during April each year.